THE Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) will be back for the second year with mouth-watering food and drinks by the state’s best hawkers, vendors, cafes and restaurants.

The 16-day event from April 14 to 29 aims to sizzle and excite taste buds the Penang way.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the organiser has designed the ‘top three events’ to represent different aspects of Penang’s culinary landscape.

“The Street Food Festival (SFF), which will be held between 5pm and 11pm on April 14 and 15 at Beach Street, is a tribute to Penang’s extraordinary hawkers and will feature the most celebrated street food delights.

“Besides, there will also be fireworks, a fun fair, traditional performances and a photo booth to capture the unforgettable memories at the festival,” he said in a press conference in Komtar recently.

He said the second highlight is the Taste of Penang (TOP), which will focus on the state’s modern food scene with the finest cafes and restaurants exhibiting their signature dishes.

“The TOP will be held on April 21 and 22 at Jalan Kelawai, from 5pm to 11pm.”

Lim added that the Food Truck Invasion (FTI) will feature a jaw-dropping 150 food trucks from all over the country and South-East Asia at Batu Kawan Design Village Outlet for the world’s largest food truck rally.

“There will be a lot of food choices, both modern and traditional. Accompanying the smorgasbord of culinary delights will be live performances by local and international buskers and outdoor theatre performances,” he said, adding that FTI will be held from 5pm to 11pm on April 28 and 29.

Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan said in addition to the three main themed events, there will be a series of pocket events that will come in the form of mini festivals and speciality dining experiences.

“These fringe events will take place at various locations throughout the 16-day festival,” he said.

The PIFF is organised by TLM Event, endorsed by the Penang state government and supported by the Penang Island City Council, Seberang Prai Municipal Council and Penang Global Tourism.

For more information, visit www.piff.com.my and follow the event on Facebook at Penang International Food Festival.